Proclamations
July 2024 is Park & Recreation Month.
Get Up, Get Out and Get Active in July with Charlotte County Community Services. July is nationally recognized as Park and Recreation Month. This year’s theme Where You Belong celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.
June 2024 is Summer Camp Month.
We recognize the vital role that summer and youth camps play in relation to good physical and mental health and enhance the quality of life for all campers. We understand the essential role that summer and youth camps play in relation to providing children safe, quality care.
Charlotte County is aware of the contributions made by the recreation industry, as represented by the Florida Recreation and Parks Association, the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Camp Association in developing safe, quality and desirable programs, allowing participants healthy places to recreate, learn and grow, build self-esteem, confidence and sense of self-worth which contributes to the quality of life in our community. Charlotte County recognizes the ongoing efforts and commitments to provide the public a quality option for school aged childcare while continuing to emphasize recreation.
Employee of the Month
Joe Howard | Interim Recreation Superintendent
Joe has been knocking it out of the park since joining us in January 2023. From his start as a Recreation Specialist at Centennial Park Recreation Center to stepping up as the Interim Recreation Superintendent at the Charlotte Sports Park, Joe has proven that he’s the ultimate team player.
Joe’s dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, not just by us but also by our community partners, including the Tampa Bay Rays, who have applauded his work. His can-do attitude and communication skills make him an inspiring leader and an asset to our team.
Volunteers
The Recreation division recognized five volunteers with certificates of appreciation in 2023.
- Sue Carman - Leading pickleball clinics at Centennial Park Recreation Center
- Tom Ward - Leading pickeball clinics at Centennial Park Recreation Center
- Mary Chicoine- Tap dancing classes at Centennial Park Recreation Center
- Arianna Childs - Volleyball coaching and instruction at Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center
- Tianna Childs - Volleyball coaching and instruction at Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center
Charlotte County Libraries & History recognizes several volunteers who have helped with various programs.
Punta Gorda Charlotte Library Teen Volunteers
- Adrian Van Beek Vargas
- Alena Grijalva
- Bella Wilson
- Catherine Burzo
- Chris Knowles
- Jesse Pomerantz
- Nate Fisk
- Nix Brooks
- Sarrinah Safaa
- Tivon Emidy
- Zeena Shriteh
Englewood Charlotte Library Teen Volunteers
- Paige Padginto
- Sofia Gulli
- Ambar Herde
- Nathalie Herde
Port Charlotte Public Library Volunteers
Photo Phactory
- Jayne Gayle
- Elizabeth Pearsall
- Scott Sorenson
- David Baldrich
- Margo Cook
- Susan Beausang
What’s Cooking:
- Jane McDaniel
- Tina Beer
- Ann Ogden
Women’s Club:
- Sally Baker
- Lynne Aldrovandi
Help with other programs:
- Beth Ziegelbauer
- Scot Shively
- Jill Shively
Port Charlotte Public Library Teen volunteers
- Kaylee Ziegelbauer
- Claire Hegarty
- Oliver Hegarty
- Rohan Sojan
- Roshan Sojan
- Orianix Diaz
- Karen Martinez Vega
- Irene Jones
- Joyce Powell
- Diana Oliver
Health Fair
- Jon and Diane Peters